Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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97. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the action he is taking to ensure homeowners eligible for the defective concrete blocks scheme can apply for SEAI grants including if they have already previously availed of them; when this problem will be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24058/24]

Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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121. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when homeowners eligible for the defective concrete blocks scheme can apply for SEAI grants including if they have already previously availed of them; the number of current applicants that are affected; the number of cases SEAI has resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24059/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 121 together.

Homeowners eligible for works under the Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) scheme may apply for energy upgrade grants administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Homeowners’ whose applications comply with the existing SEAI Scheme criteria and guidelines can access SEAI grants in line with the usual application processes that apply. Further information in that regard is available at Home Energy Upgrades | Home Energy | SEAI.

My Department and SEAI are aware however of the particular issues arising for DCB homeowners that do not currently comply with the SEAI scheme terms and conditions. Examples of such situations include homeowners that previously received SEAI grant support to upgrade a home which now needs to be demolished due to defective concrete block and wish to avail of further SEAI grant supports for their rebuilt home.

My Department has worked with SEAI and other stakeholders in relation to the issues arising and detailed proposals are at an advanced stage of development and are expected to be finalised in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, SEAI continues to engage directly with impacted homeowners on a case by case basis to discuss their particular circumstances. A specific page on the SEAI website provides further information for DCB affected homeowners

(Defective Concrete Blocks Affected Homeowners | Individual Energy Upgrades | SEAI). Homeowners can also contact the SEAI at a dedicated DCB phone number 01-8082004 or by email at dcb@seai.ie.